Last night, some of the world’s biggest stars stepped out garbed in their finest for fashion’s biggest night: the Met Gala. From supermodels (Adut Akech, Anok Yai) to musicians (Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, Shaboozey); actors (Damson Idris, Ayo Edebiri, Lupita Nyong’O); athletes (Lewis Hamilton, Simone Biles), comedians (Ego Nwodim, Jamie Foxx) and even chef Kwame Onwuachi and writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the guest list usually reads like a who’s who of high society. However, the Ball is not just an excuse for famous people to wear fine clothes.

What exactly is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala or Met Ball (government name: the Costume Institute Benefit) is an annual fundraising event for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, held on the first Monday in May. It serves a dual purpose: gathering funds to support the Institute’s operations and kicking off its new fashion exhibit. Each year comes with a brand new theme, which sets the tone for the exhibition and inspires the dress code guests follow on the red carpet.

What was the theme this year?

For 2025, the exhibition is titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” which explores Black dandyism: “the tradition of Black men—and, increasingly, people of all genders—using fashion, especially refined tailoring, as a powerful form of self-expression and resistance; blending sharp tailoring with bold patterns, vibrant colours and cultural significance” (Elle Magazine). 

Based on this, the dress code for the Gala was “Tailored For You”, the first since 2003 to focus exclusively on menswear and the first one ever to spotlight only designers of colour. The idea was crisp tailoring and personal takes on classic menswear and suiting.

How does attendance work?

It’s not easy to get in! Tickets go for around $75,000, and tables for over $350,000. But you can’t just buy a ticket and show up; Vogue Magazine Editor-in-Chief & Met Gala perennial host Anna Wintour has to vet and approve every single guest. Nobody under the age of 18, no matter how famous, is allowed. 

What happens at the event?

The only televised part is the red carpet, where we get to see (and judge!) attendees’ outfit choices. The main event is largely kept under wraps, with social media use heavily restricted. Luka Sabbat has claimed to be banned from the event for the crime of sharing a selfie while smoking a cigarette in the bathroom (simultaneously breaking two rules) in 2019. Clearly, it’s stricter than your Nigerian parents’ home over there.

What were the standout moments from 2025?

The night was said to have raised $31 million, the Institute’s biggest haul to date. Returning attendees Burna Boy, Tems and Tyla, alongside debutante Ayra Starr, were all dressed by British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng. Rihanna unveiled her third belly bump (still no album in sight), Ayo Edebiri paid homage to her Edo roots, and co-host Teyana Taylor stunned as a Rose from Harlem. 

Renowned stylist, Law Roach, summed up the entire shindig best when he said, “They done f’d around and made the Met Ball Black!”